Frequently Asked Questions

A psychological assessment is a process of testing that uses a combination of interview, observation, and assessment tools to help provide information about a person’s behaviour, personality, and capabilities.

We offer a range of assessments, including:

• ADHD
• Psychoeducational
• Mental Health
• Vocational
• Return-to-work
• Parenting Capacity
• Practice Note 7/8
• Personal Injury
• Motor Vehicle Screen

There are a few things you can do to help yourself prepare for a psychological assessment:

• Get a good night’s sleep before the assessment
• Eat a healthy meal
• Bring or send in advance any relevant medical records, school records, or previous assessment reports
• Be prepared to answer questions about your history and current situation honestly
• Try to have an open mind about what could be the results and recommendations of the assessment

Remember an assessment helps to open doors, don’t be afraid to explore what could be at the root of your current struggles so that you can overcome those barriers and move toward success

Psychological assessments aren’t tests that you can “pass” or “fail.” Instead, they’re designed to give a picture of your current functioning in various areas. Here’s what you should know:

• The goal is to understand your unique patterns, not judge them.
• Results show where you fall on a spectrum for different abilities or traits.
• If areas of struggle are identified, this isn’t a “failure” but valuable information to guide support.
• Assessments highlight both strengths and challenges.
• Results are always interpreted within the context of your life experiences and current circumstances.

Remember, the purpose is to help you and your healthcare providers better understand your psychological functioning to guide appropriate care and support.

This depends on the purpose of the assessment. Some assessments might be one-time events, while others might be repeated annually or as circumstances change.

Psychological assessments are designed to be as accurate as possible. However, they are one tool among many and are most effective when combined with clinical judgment and other sources of information. Psychological assessments are continually being studied and refined. They are a great tool to advance your understanding, plan ahead, and access support.

A psychological assessment typically includes several components:

Clinical interviews:

• Initial consultation to discuss concerns and goals
• In-depth interviews about personal history, including developmental, educational, and medical background

Standardized tests:

• May include cognitive assessments, personality inventories, and symptom checklists
• Tests are selected based on the specific needs of the assessment

Observation of behaviour:

• Direct observation during testing sessions
• Assessment of non-verbal behaviors and problem-solving approaches

Review of relevant records or documents:

• Analysis of previous psychological or medical reports
• Review of school records or other relevant documents

Integration and feedback:

• Compilation and interpretation of all gathered information
• Feedback session to discuss results and recommendations

The entire process usually takes place over several sessions, with the exact number depending on the complexity of the case and specific assessment needs.

The duration can vary depending on the type of assessment. Some may be completed in a single session, while others might require multiple visits. Typically, assessments range from two to eight hours of test administration and interview sessions. Following the testing and interview, there is additional time needed for report writing (if applicable) and then two hours to debrief the assessment results and recommendations.

Of course! The results of your assessment are confidential and protected by law. They will only be shared with others with your written consent, except in specific situations required by law such as a workplace injury, report of abuse or neglect for a child or vulnerable adult, court order/subpoena, or a risk of harm to you or somebody else.

Typically, it takes 2-3 weeks after the completion of all testing sessions to receive a comprehensive report. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of the assessment.

Yes, you will receive a copy of the assessment report. We’ll also schedule a debrief session to go through the results and recommendations with you before finalizing the report. This way you can provide feedback or correct any small errors/misunderstandings before we finalize the report.

Coverage varies by insurance provider and plan. We recommend checking with your insurance company about your specific coverage. Typically, if you have psychological services covered under health benefits, then assessments are also covered.

All assessments at Kells Counselling are completed either directly or under the supervision of a Registered Psychologist, which assists with coverage and direct billing.